High Content Polyamide Hot-Applied Thermoplastic Composition

ABSTRACT

A hot applied thermoplastic pavement composition and method of using is described wherein the composition comprises; a modified polyamide resin in the range of between 3 and 10 percent by weight, wherein the composition contains rosin-modified esters, a copolymer, 30-70 percent by weight of a glass bead intermix, a range of between 1 and 15 percent by weight of either white or yellow pigment, the balance of the composition being selected from the group consisting of; one or more plasticizers, inorganic fillers, waxes, antioxidants and light stabilizers.

PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation of and claims benefit under 35 USC120 of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/296,284, filed Oct.18, 2016 which is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser.No. 14/475,701 filed on Sep. 3, 2014, which granted Nov. 22, 2016 asU.S. Pat. No. 9,499,948, and corresponding PCT/US2015/047484, filed Aug.28, 2015, all entitled “High Content Polyamide Hot-Applied ThermoplasticComposition”. The above referenced applications are hereby incorporatedin their entirety by reference for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to hot-applied thermoplastic pavement compositionswith polyamide resin content in the range of 3-10 percent by weight withat least 30 weight % bead intermix using AASHTO M 247 Type 3 and Type 1or AASHTO M 247 Type 4 and Type 1 beads to impart superior durability,bond strength and increased retro-reflectivity to the applied surface.This composition represents a significant improvement over the currentlyavailable hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marking products. Theincrease in the polyamide resin content is shown to be particularlyimportant for improved wear-resistance, low-temperature impact,resistance to cracking from freeze-thaw conditions and the prevention ofdelamination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traffic markings convey information to drivers and pedestrians byproviding exposed, visible, reflective, colored and/or tactile surfacesthat serve as indicia. In the past, this function was conventionallyaccomplished by painting a traffic surface. Modern marking materialsoffer significant advantages over paint including dramatically increasedvisibility and/or reflectance, improved durability, and temporaryremovable marking options. Examples of modern pavement marking materialsinclude; thermoplastics, pavement marking sheet materials, tapes andraised pavement markers. For the purposes of this application, the terms“marker” and “marking” can be used interchangeably.

Preformed and hot applied thermoplastic materials used as pavementmarkings or other indicia possess many advantages compared to paints andother less durable markings. These materials can be used applied andused in service conventionally for years—much longer than those composedof paints.

The United States has 2,605,331 miles (4,192,874 km) of paved roads.According to the Federal Highway Administration, the United StatesInterstate Highway System, as of 2011, has approximately 48,000 miles ofmarked roadways and the US National Highway System has approximately160,000 miles of marked roadways. Therefore, there is an increasing needfor more durable, resistant, and therefore longer-lived thermoplasticcompositions for roadway markings. Further needed improvements, morespecifically in the area of hot-applied thermoplastics, include: higherimpact resistance to road maintenance efforts and roadway usageincluding snow plows, very low wear characteristics, allowing for asignificantly longer performance lifetime and the ability to host a highcontent bead intermix for long-term retro-reflectivity, and enhancedfreeze-thaw resistance.

These issues demonstrate that there remains a need for polyamideenhanced hot-applied thermoplastic products that provide significantlyhigher impact resistance, increased longevity and durability, andimproved freeze-thaw resistance. This ensures the integrity of theproduct (and pattern if so desired), is maintained for an increasedamount of time over currently available hot-applied thermoplasticcompositions.

DESCRIPTION OF RELEVANT ART

U.S. Pat. No. 6,552,110 to Yalvac, et al. and jointly assigned to DowGlobal Technologies and Nor-Skilt, describes thermoplastic markingcompositions. The subject invention pertains to thermoplastic markingcompositions comprising a binder, which in turn comprise at least onehomogeneous polymer. Accordingly, the subject invention provides athermoplastic marking composition comprising: (a) from 10 to 80 weightpercent of a binder, which in turn comprises: (i) from 1 to 99 weightpercent of at least one homogeneous polymer; (ii) from 5 to 70 weightpercent of at least one tackifier; (iii) from 0 to 10 weight percent ofa polyethylene which has pendant acid functionality moieties of anon-functionalized wax; and (iv) from 0 to 20 weight percent of aplasticizer; and (b) from 20 to 90 weight percent of an inorganicfiller. The subject formulations are usefully applied via spray, screed,and extrusion techniques.

Korean Patent No. 100990964 to Seong Jo Lee, and assigned to BuseongPolycom Co., Ltd., describes thermoplastic polyamide resin for use as abinder for an anti-slipping agent for road marking compositions whereadded benefits of the polyamide resin to the thermoplastic markerinclude prevention of gradient increase of the marking duringapplication and prevention of the generation of cracking once applied.The marking composition disclosed provides for including a dimer fattyacid with a compound selected from a group containing various acids,including sebacic acid and azelaic acid. The amine is incorporated andformed with a compound selected from a group consisting of variousdiamines.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,711 to Tanaka et al, and assigned to Atom ChemicalPaint Co. Ltd., describes a melt-adhesive traffic paint compositionhaving improved low temperature stability consisting essentially of20-35% by weight of a dimer acid modified polyamide resin, the polyamideresin being prepared by condensing a dimer acid with a polyamineselected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine anddiethylenetriamine, 1-5% by weight of a plasticizer selected from thegroup consisting of a phthalate, a trimellitate, a mixture of saturatedlinear C₆, C₈ and C₁₀ alcohols, a mixture of saturated linear C₈ and C₁₀alcohols and a toluenesulfonamide, 30-45% by weight of an inorganicfiller, the balance being a coloring pigment and a reflective agent.Also disclosed within this granted patent, is the composition ofthermoplastic resin in the amount of 2% to 15% by weight of thecomposition and as claimed, selected from the group consisting ofhydrogenated rosin and rosin-modified maleic acid resins.

Improvements over the above mentioned compositions from Atom ChemicalPaint include improved long term retro-reflectivity, as once the toplayer of the aforementioned traffic marking system wears, thethermoplastic composition will not wear fast enough to provideretroreflection with a glass bead content of 16%, which is also nolonger 30% minimum AASHTO compliant. Without a formulated balance ofpolymer and modified tall oil or rosin ester, this system would beexpected to not wear properly. Hard resins (or rosin-modified maelicacid resins) are included in the Tanaka formulations while the newlydisclosed formulations provide for the use of pentaerythritol modifiedester (no maleic modification) and a glycerol modified maleic modifiedester of rosin and expressly without the inclusion of rosin-modifiedmaleic resins.

Compositional differences also exist in a 40% binder by weight from theinclusion of the polyamide and the hard resin alone, while the newcompositions show a binder percentage by weight within a range of 22% to24%.

Previous formulations including higher polyamide content than normallyavailable have been publicly manufactured and marketed by the assignee,Ennis-Flint of Thomasville, N.C., under the commercial trademark,Permaline®. Permaline® is formulated with a polyamide content less than3% and is a primerless system for asphalt and concrete surface markings.The incorporation of polyamide provides excellent bond strength anddurability for high average daily traffic (ADT) roads. This product ismanufactured using polyamide grade PAF2526c, a proprietary polyamideformulated by Ennis-Flint.

The disclosed review of the relevant art shows the need for ahot-applied thermoplastic pavement marking composition that maintainsincreased retro-reflective ability, increased resistance toenvironmental stresses, and increased durability over those compositionswhich are currently commercially available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure describes a high polyamide content thermoplasticpavement marking composition, normally used as a hot-appliedthermoplastic, with improved physical characteristics allowing for ahighly durable and resistant pavement marking that alleviates the needfor replacement/remarking within the standard replacement/remarkingtimeframe.

Conventional thermoplastic pavement markers use alkyd resins, derivedfrom pine trees, as the main binder or another accepted thermoplasticsystem using hydrocarbon-based C₅ resins. Normal thermoplastic becomesembrittled and therefore is highly susceptible to cracking anddelamination during freeze-thaw conditions and along any propagatingcracks in the surface of the roadway.

The present invention requires hot-applied thermoplastic pavementcompositions have lower polyamide resin content in the range of 3 to 10percent by weight with at least a 30 weight % bead intermix. The beadmix is specific to using AASHTO Type 3 and Type 1 for example (30%/30%)or (15%/15%) or AASHTO Type 4 and Type 1 beads for example (25% each) toimpart increased retro-reflectivity to the applied surface. In addition,the pavement compositions contain a range of between 1 and 15 percent byweight of either white or yellow pigment, the balance being selectedfrom the group consisting of; one or more plasticizers, inorganicfillers, waxes, antioxidants and light stabilizers.

This composition represents a significant improvement over currentlyavailable hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marking products. Theincrease in the polyamide resin content has been shown to beparticularly important for improved wear-resistance, low-temperatureimpact, resistance to cracking from freeze-thaw conditions and theprevention of delamination.

DESCRIPTION

Current thermoplastic pavement markers do not normally include the useof polyamide resins. Polyamide resins are polycondensation products ofdimerized fatty acids and polyamines, and contain recurring amide groups(—CO—NH—) in the main polymer chain. The properties of polyamidematerials are affected by the presence of highly polar amide groups andalso by the length of the hydrocarbon backbone. This class of materialspossesses high temperature resistance and good mechanical strength.

Historically, polyamide resins were not a conventional choice for use asthe main binder in thermoplastic systems, primarily due to perceivedincreased costs of standard formulations that would have little or noimprovements in performance. In the present disclosure, the inclusion ofthe polyamide resin with the formulations described yields durable,flexible, freeze-thaw resistant pavement marking products that do notcrack during conventional expansion and contraction of the pavementsurface as evidenced with previous formulations. Other earlierformulations have become embrittled with time, causing cracking leadingto premature failure on pavement surfaces. The current disclosure alsoprovides for an improved polyamide hot-applied thermoplastic isformulated expressly without the inclusion of sebacic acid.

Polyamides are tough which includes exhibiting higher flexural modulusthan most alternative polymer systems and certain polyamide resinsexhibit very low wear over time. The newly provided high-contentpolyamide hot-applied thermoplastic composition comprises, optimally, a7% polyamide resin in combination relatively high concentrations ofmaleated maleic resin (alkyd resin). Other additives, discussed herein,contribute to the combination of formulations that include; stableviscosity, enhanced durability, and optimal glass bead suspension.

To achieve the desired properties using increased polyamide content inhot-applied thermoplastic formulations, certain attributes not shownwith the accepted formulations must be considered and achieved. In orderto produce a suitable polyamide polymer for this application dimer acidsincorporated with polyamide resins are not employed. Instead the presentdisclosure incorporates the use of amine monomers that reduce thehydrogen bonding characteristics of the polyamides by either:

-   -   1. increasing the molecular weight between amide linkages by        using a higher weight diamine such as Jeffamine® D2000        polyoxypropylenediamine, a polyetheramine with a molecular        weight of approximately 2000 g/mol, or    -   2. eliminating the hydrogen bond by using a secondary amine        co-monomer such as piperazine (FIG. 1), the simplest cyclic        member of the ethyleneamines, containing two secondary amine        groups, which when polymerized does not have a free hydrogen        molecule necessary for hydrogen bonding.

A higher weight di-functional primary amine, for example, Jeffamine®D2000, commercially available from Huntsman Corporation of Woodlands,Tex., has amine groups located on secondary carbon atoms at the ends ofan aliphatic polyether chain and is completely miscible in a widevariety of solvents, but only slightly soluble in water. Widely used inpolyurea and polyurethane applications, polyoxypropylenediamine exhibitsa fast reacting nature with isocyanates, functions as a co-reactant inepoxy systems, imparting flexibility and toughness, and providesenhanced peel strengths in adhesive systems. The chemical structure ofJeffamine® D2000 polyoxypropylenediamine is provided in FIG. 2.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes the use of aminemonomers that add flexibility to the backbone in order to improve lowtemperature impact resistance (for example, as needed when snow plowsare used over the pavement surface). In order to achieve this desiredproperty of low temperature impact resistance, a polyetheramine is thepreferred diamine.

Known materials using high friction aggregates on the surface to improvefriction, and therefore anti-skid properties, have been known. Thesurface applied aggregates provide good initial properties, however asthe surface is worn due to traffic, the skid resistance decreases. Aftersurface layers containing anti-skid materials become worn out, theseaggregate materials lose their effectiveness and become slippery becausethey do not contain high friction particles (of sufficient size toprovide good skid properties). Conventional thermoplastic markingscontain bead contents of 30% by weight, with a conventional high beadcontent extending up to 40%, having an optimal bead content of 35-40% byweight and include the use of a Type 1, or standard gradation, glassbead.

A properly designed thermoplastic road-marking is intended to wearslowly over time, in such a manner that intermix beads are partiallyexposed to maintain reflectivity and therefore visibility to the drivingpublic. These polyamide formulations are designed to wear at a muchslower rate than the traditional thermoplastic road-marking. Therefore,it becomes necessary to increase the size of the intermixed beads and toincrease the overall bead content to impart long-term visibility thatcan match the life of the marking by maintaining the necessaryretroreflectivity.

Standard specifications for the glass beads are provided in “Glass BeadsUsed in Pavement Markings” (AASHTO Designation: M 247-11), the scope ofwhich covers glass beads to be dropped or sprayed upon pavement markingsso as to produce a pavement marking with satisfactoryretro-reflectivity. Gradation requirements provided therein are includedin Table 1.

TABLE 1 Gradation of Glass Beads Sieve Designation Mass Percent PassingStandard, mm Alternate No. Type 0 Type 1 Type 2 Type 3 Type 4 Type 52.35 8 100 2.00 10 100  95-100 1.70 12 100  95-100 80-95 1.40 14  95-10080-95 10-40 1.18 16 100 100 80-95 10-40 0-5 1.00 18 10-40 0-5 0-2 0.85020  95-100  90-100 0-5 0-2 0.710 25 0-2 0.600 30 100 75-95 50-75 0.42540  90-100 15-45 0.300 50 50-75 15-35  0-15 0.180 80 0-5 0-5 0.150 1000-5

High-bead content is considered, for purposes of this application to bea 50% intermix of retroreflective, anti-skid material and must include amix of the combination of large and small diameter glass beads, forexample a 25%/25% intermix of Type 3/Type 1 beads or Type 4/Type 1beads. There are no known municipalities requiring a bead content ashigh as 50%, and current applications using a Type 3 (large diameter)bead blended with a Type 1 (small diameter) exist using only 20% beadcontent of each AASHTO bead type for Florida and Alabama. Thecombination of higher bead content with higher content polyamidethermoplastic formulations results in significant increases in the wearresistance of the present materials. Because this present formulationdoes not exhibit the same wear as previous thermoplastic markingcompositions, higher bead content is needed to assist in improving thelong term retro-reflectivity of this slower wearing system.

Additives imparting desired characteristics have been determined basedon the desired performance of the road marking. Fumed silica, orethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and ethylene maleic anhydride can be usedto stabilize the viscosity of the pavement marking and achieve the beadintermix suspension. The most optimal bead suspension properties occurby providing the proper thixotropy formulations. Surface bead suspensioncan be adjusted by surface coating of the glass beads. Type 1 glassbeads possess a dual coated silane/silicone coating. Type 4 glass beadspossess an adhesion coating, while a silane or other functional coatingcould possibly be used. Additional additives are selected for theinclusion various properties such as light stabilizing and UV absorbingproperties.

The thixotropic range for the increased polyamide content hot-appliedthermoplastic (with standard AASHTO thermo as a reference comparison) isprovided in Table 2. The viscosities of the formulations were measuredusing a Brookfield viscometer (spindle number 4) at 6, 12, 30, and 60rpm. The viscosity of the increased polyamide pavement markingformulation includes resin that is between 1000 cps and 10000 cps, asmeasured by a Brookfield viscometer and Brookfield thermosel forelevated temperature testing at 190° C. More preferentially theviscosity is between 1500 cps and 3000 cps with the most preferentialviscosity being within the range of 1500 cps and 2500 cps. The softeningpoint of the composition should be between 115° C. and 140° C. with amore preferred range being 120° C. to 130° C.

TABLE 2 Thixotropic Properties of White and Yellow Thermoplastic Markersof the Present Disclosure Brookfield Viscosity, White - High Yellow High410F, #4 Performance - Performance - spindle Present White PresentYellow (cps) Disclosure AASHTO Disclosure AASHTO  6 rpm 10,000-35,000 8,000-14,000 10,000-35,000  8,000-18,000 12 rpm 5,000-30,0006,000-13,000 5,000-30,000 6,000-15,000 30 rpm 2,000-20,000 4,000-8,000 2,000-20,000 2,000-8,000  60 rpm 1,500-10,000 2,000-7,000  1,500-10,0001,500-7,500 

Application

Conventional flat line road marking delineation provides an applicationthickness of the thermoplastic markers in the range of 40-150 mil.Variations in thickness depend on an extrudable or sprayable applicationmethod. Sprayable thermoplastic markers are applied at a thickness of40-100 mil and extrudable thermoplastic markers are applied at athickness of 90-120 mil. A conventional truck equipped for roadwaysurface marking via ribbon extrude equipment can apply an extrudedhot-applied pavement marking at 1-10 mph.

The high-content polyamide formulation of the present disclosure canalso be applied as an inlaid marker, where the material is applied intothe pavement after grooving out a portion of the pavement to a depth ofapproximately 300 mil, or as a profiled marker, where the thermoplasticmaterial forms textures, bumps or profiles extending above the surfaceof the flat line at varying intervals along the length of the line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the AASHTO NTPEP Test DeckConfiguration.

FIGS. 2a-2c provide photographic comparisons of the bond strength ofwhite increased polyamide hot-applied thermoplastic pavement markers andthe conventional white AASHTO hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker.

FIGS. 3a-3c are photographic comparisons of the bond strength of yellowhot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker with increased polyamidecontent and a conventional yellow AASHTO hot-applied thermoplasticpavement marker.

FIGS. 4a-4d provide photographic records of the Abrasion test resultsfor white and yellow conventional AASHTO and increased polyamide contenthot-applied thermoplastic pavement markers.

FIGS. 5a-5d are photographic records of the Gardner Impact test results,at 0° C., for white and yellow conventional AASHTO and increasedpolyamide content hot-applied thermoplastic pavement markers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The schematic diagram provided in FIG. 1 is an AASHTO NTPEP conventionaltest deck configuration [100] used for testing of pavement markingmaterials by the NTPEP Pavement Marking Materials (PMM) TechnicalCommittee (TC). Application of permanent products and non-removabletapes [120] are provided as four (4) lines per manufacturing run ofpavement with two (2) lines of either marked at two different locationswithin the AASHTO NTPEP conventional test deck configuration [100].Multiple products by different manufacturing runs are denoted as productA [122], B [124], C [126] etc. Temporary Removable Tapes [130] aredirected to a test deck application of six (6) transverse lines [132]and 6 longitudinal lines [134].

Readings are taken from the test deck at specified areas of the appliedmarking and are termed the “skip” reading and the “wheel” reading. The“skip” reading is taken from the marking closest to the skip line [140]of the road, termed the skip reading location [142]. Readings taken inthe wheel path closest to the skip line [140] of the road, labeled asthe upper wheel path [144], are provided as “wheel” readings and aretaken from the wheel reading location [146].

In accordance with the ASTM 2177 wet recovery test, wetretroreflectivity readings are taken within nine (9) inches of the lineclosest to the road edge line [148], known as the wet reading location[150].

FIG. 2a is a photographic comparison of the bond strength test results[200] for the white increased polyamide content hot-appliedthermoplastic [202] and the conventional AASHTO white hot-appliedthermoplastic pavement marker [210] (marked “Control”), as applied to aconcrete substrate [212]. The conventional AASHTO white hot-appliedthermoplastic pavement marker [210] exhibited significant failure of themarking [214] while the white marker having significantly increasedpolyamide content hot-applied thermoplastic [202] exhibited significantsubstrate failure [216].

FIG. 2b provides a more detailed photographic depiction of the bondstrength of a conventional AASHTO white hot-applied thermoplasticpavement marker [210], as applied to a concrete substrate [212] alsoexhibiting significant failure of the marking [214].

FIG. 2c is a more detailed photograph depicting the bond strength of thewhite increased polyamide hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker[202], as applied to a concrete substrate [212], where significantfailure of the substrate [216] is again shown.

FIG. 3a is a photographic comparison of the bond strength test results[200] illustrating the differences between the yellow markers withincreased polyamide content hot-applied thermoplastic [302] and theconventional AASHTO yellow hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker[304], as applied to a concrete substrate [212]. The conventional AASHTOyellow hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker [304] exhibitedsignificant failure of the marking [214] while the yellow marker withincreased polyamide content hot-applied thermoplastic [302] exhibitedsignificant substrate failure [216].

FIG. 3b provides a closer view of the bond strength difference with aconventional AASHTO yellow hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker[304], as applied to a concrete substrate [212], where significantfailure of the marking [214] is exhibited

FIG. 3c is a photograph of the bond strength of the yellow increasedpolyamide hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker [302], as applied toa concrete substrate [212], illustrating significant failure of thesubstrate [216].

FIGS. 4a through 4d yield photographic records of the Abrasion testresults [400] for a conventional and improved hot-applied thermoplasticmarking. The conventional AASHTO white hot-applied thermoplasticpavement marker [210], serving as a control, was prepared as ahot-application mold to a base plate (not shown). FIG. 4a provides anabrasive blasting of the hot-application mold to a base plate showingsignificant wear of the conventional AASHTO white hot-appliedthermoplastic marker [210] as evidenced by heavily abraded regions[410]. FIG. 4b provides the Abrasion test results [400] for a whiteincreased polyamide hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker [202]. Theabrasive blasting of the increased polyamide content marker showsminimal wear, as evidenced by the scantily abraded regions [410] of thehot-application mold to a base plate. FIGS. 4c and 4d offer photographicrecords of the Abrasion test results [400] for a conventional AASHTOyellow hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker [304], serving as acontrol, and a yellow increased polyamide hot-applied thermoplasticpavement marker [302].

FIGS. 5a through 5d provide the Gardner impact test results, at 0° C.,for the conventional and increased polyamide content hot-appliedthermoplastic pavement markers. FIG. 5a shows the Gardner Impact testresults at 0° C. [500] for a conventional AASHTO white hot-appliedthermoplastic pavement marker [210], while FIG. 5b is a photographicrecord of the Gardner Impact test results [500] for a white pavementmarker with increased polyamide hot-applied thermoplastic [202]. FIG. 5cshows the Gardner Impact test results [500] for a conventional AASHTOyellow hot-applied thermoplastic pavement marker [210], while FIG. 5dyields a photographic record of the Gardner Impact test results [500]for a yellow increased polyamide hot-applied thermoplastic pavementmarker [202]. Each sample provides a point of impact [510]; however, theconventional white [210] and conventional yellow AASHTO yellowhot-applied thermoplastic markers display in impact failure [512] thatis not evidenced with the white [202] and yellow [302] increasedpolyamide content hot-applied thermoplastic markers.

WORKING AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES

In order to more precisely describe representative compositions of thepresent disclosure, example formulations of the hot-appliedthermoplastic are provided, in total weight percent, in the followingworking examples:

Working Example 1

Material Composition—White Extrude (W_(Ex))

Polyamide (2526c-01) 7.0% Maleic modified rosin (Arizona 7021) 10.0% EVACopolymer (Exxon UL7510) 1.0% Polyethylene Wax (Coschem CS-42F) 2.0%Plasticizer (Castor Oil #1 Raw) 2.0% HALS (Unitechem 622) 0.2%Antioxidant (BASF Iraganox 1010) 0.2% TiO2, Rutile Type II (TronoxCR-828) 12.0% Blue Pigment 29 (Nubiola CP-84) 0.025% Fumed Silica(Evonik Aerosil R208) 0.5% Calcium Carbonate (Huber G260A) 15.075% BeadsType 3 (Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80% rounds, dual coated) BeadsType 1 (Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80% rounds, dual coated) Total %100.00% Total % Binder 22.0% Total % Beads 50.0%

The material can be applied, as an extrudate, at a thickness of 60-150mil and an application temperature of 400-440° F., as is the generalrequirement for a hot-applied thermoplastic composition for pavementmarking.

White extrudate of the composition provided above was applied on apavement marking industry test site (AASHTO NTPEP Test Deck, Asphalt andConcrete, Minnesota, Jul. 31, 2013) at a thickness of 90-120 mil at atemperature of 400-440° F. A top dressing of drop-on beads was appliedas follows: 8-12 lbs./100 ft² Type 4 beads, 4-8 lbs./100 ft² Type 1beads. Application of the marking material was performed by the use of ahand liner extrusion.

Working Example 2

Material Composition—Yellow Extrude (Y_(Ex))

Polyamide (2526c-01) 7.0% Maleic modified rosin (Arizona 7021) 9.75% EVACopolymer (Exxon UL7511) 1.2% Polyethylene Wax (Coschem CS-42F) 2.25%Plasticizer (Castor Oil #1 Raw) 1.8% HALS (Unitechem 622) 0.4%Antioxidant (BASF Iraganox 1010) 0.2% TiO2, Rutile Type II (TronoxCR-828) 1.4% Yellow 83 Pigment (Clariant HRT) 1.1% Calcium Carbonate(Huber G260A) 24.9% Beads Type 3 (Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80%rounds, dual coated) Beads Type 1 (Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80%rounds, dual coated) Total % 100.00% Total % Binder 22.0% Total % Beads50.0%

Yellow extrudate of the composition provided above was applied on apavement marking industry test site (AASHTO NTPEP Test Deck, Asphalt andConcrete, Minnesota, Jul. 31, 2013) at a thickness of 90-120 mil at atemperature of 400-440° F. A top dressing of drop-on beads was appliedas follows: 8-12 lbs./100 ft² Type 4 beads, 4-8 lbs./100 ft² Type 1beads. Application of the marking material was performed by hand linerextrusion.

Working Example 3

White High Performance Pavement Marker (See Table 4a)

Polyamide (2526c-01) 7.0% Maleic modified rosin Ester (highly 10.3%maleated) EVA Copolymer 0.5% Polyethylene Wax (Coschem CS-14N) 2.0%Ethylene Maelic Anhydride 0.5% HALS (Unitechem 622) 0.2% Antioxidant(BASF Iraganox 1010) 0.2% DINP 1.7% TiO2, Rutile Type II (Tronox CR-828)12.0% Blue Pigment 29 (Nubiola CP-84) 0.0125% Calcium Carbonate (HuberG260A) 15.5875% Beads Type 3 (Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80%rounds, dual coated) Beads Type 1 (Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80%rounds, dual coated) Total % 100.00% Total % Binder 22.0% Total % Beads50.0%

For working Example 3, a full set of testing was performed by FutureLabs of Madison, Miss., regarding a white thermoplastic W5E-5X-AA SampleA provided by Ennis-Flint. The results are shown in Table 3 below. Thesetest results confirm the use of greater than 50% glass content with acomplete binder content of 22.31 wt. %, for which 7 wt. % polyamidecontent was used in the overall final composition. Reflectance wasreported per ASTM D 4960 as 83.12% using a Type 3 and Type 1 50% beadcontent (25% each). Impact resistance at ambient and cool-weatherconditions (32° F. and 75° F.) was reported as 10.10 in. lbs. and 12.000in. lbs., respectively, and low temperature resistance, tested perAASHTO T 250, exhibited no cracks. The sand blast abrasion test, alsoreferred to as the box abrasion test, provided a 0.1 g loss, while thetaber abrasion test provided a 118 mg loss. The bond strength of thewhite improved thermoplastic was tested with primer, with no primer andwith primer and extended cure. The bond strength results were obtainedper ASTM D 4796 and showed 50% failure of the concrete substrate at 443psi with the use of no primer. Using a primer, the bond strength wasdetermined to provide 90% failure of the primer-thermoplastic joining at255 psi. The combined use of a primer and allowance for extended curingalso provided a 90% failure of the primer-thermoplastic joining at 335psi.

TABLE 3 Test Methods Specification Results Binder Content ASTM D 479722.31% Glass Bead Content ASTM D 4797 50.94% TiO2 Pigment Content(assuming >92% TiO2 Purity) ASTM D 4764 21.63% Color after 4 hrs (@ 425°F.) AASHTO T 250 Matches Fed. Std. 17886 Reflectance ASTM D 4960 83.12%Yellowness Index ASTM E 313 0.05 Softening Point ASTM D 36 204° F.Impact Resistance (@ 32° F.) ASTM D 4812 10.10 in. lbs. ImpactResistance (@ 75° F.) ASTM D 4812 12.00 in. lbs. Low Temp ResistanceAASHTO T 250 no cracks Specific Gravity ASTM D 792 1.98 Inert Filler5.12% Flowability (4 hrs) AASHTO T 250 10.62% Extended Flowability (8hrs) AASHTO T 250 8.72% Drying Time (@ 50° F.) ASTM D 711 <2 minutesDrying Time (@ 90° F.) ASTM D 711 <10 minutes Drop Impact (@ 32° F.)ASTM D 5420 PASS Drop Impact (@ 75° F.) ASTM D 5420 PASS Sand BlastAbrasion CTM 423 0.1 g loss Taber Abrasion ASTM D 4060 118 mg lossTensile Strength (avg of 3) ASTM D 638 233 psi Tensile Elongation (avgof 3) ASTM D 638 43.70% Compressive Strength (avg ASTM D 695 961 psi of3) Bond Strength (no Primer) ASTM D 4796 443 psi/50% Concrete FailureBond Strength (with Primer) ASTM D 4796 255 psi/90% Primer- ThermoFailure Bond Strength (Primer & ASTM D 4796 335 psi/90% Primer- ExtendedCure) Thermo Failure Pull Test FL DOT 971-7.9 PASS Flexibility ASTM D3111 PASS Product: Working Example #5 (Future Labs, LLC, Madison, MS;Results dated Jan. 24, 2014)

Working Example 4

See Table 4—referred to as “Yellow High Performance”

Polyamide (2526c-01) 7.0% Maleic modified rosin ester (highly maleated)9.7% EVA Copolymer (Exxon UL7510) 1.25% Polyethylene Wax (CoschemCS-42F) 2.25% Plasticizer (Castor Oil #1 Raw) 1.8% HALS (Unitechem 622)0.4% Antioxidant (BASF Iraganox 1010) 0.2% TiO2, Rutile Type II (TronoxCR-828) 1.35% Yellow 83 Pigment (Clariant HRT) 1.25% Calcium Carbonate(Huber G260A) 24.8% Beads Type 3 (Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80%rounds, dual coated) Beads Type 1 (Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80%rounds, dual coated) Total % 100.00% Total % Binder 23.425% Total %Beads 50.0%

Working Example 5

Referred to in Table 4 as “Yellow High Performance”

Polyamide (2526c-01) 7.0% Maleic modified rosin ester (highly maleated)10.5% EVA Copolymer (Exxon UL7510) 0.25% Polyethylene Wax (CoschemCS-14N) 2.2% Ethylene Maleic Anhydride 0.25% Plasticizer (Castor Oil #1Raw) 1.8% HALS (Unitechem 622) 0.4% Antioxidant (BASF Iraganox 1010)0.2% TiO2, Rutile Type II (Tronox CR-828) 1.35% Yellow 83 Pigment(Clariant HRT) 1.25% Calcium Carbonate (Huber G260A) 24.8% Beads Type 3(Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80% rounds, adhesion coated) Beads Type1 (Weissker AASHTO M 247-11, 25.0% 80% rounds, dual coated) Total %100.00% Total % Binder 22.0% Total % Beads 50.0%

Comparative Example 1

As an illustration, Comparative Example 1 uses a lower percentage byweight of polyamide Permaline is a proprietary formulation manufacturedby Ennis-Flint, using a polyamide content of less than 3% and rosinester combinations, filler and additional additives including,polymer(s), wax(s) and vegetable oil(s) and demonstrating a 30% Type 1glass bead content by weight.

Comparative Example 2

As a further illustration, Comparative Example 2 is an AASHTOconventional yellow formulation that uses no polyamide, and is referredto in Table 4 as “Yellow AASHTO M 249”

Binder 18.0% min. Glass Bead 30-40% Calcium Carbonate and inert fillers** Yellow Pigments ** **Per AASHTO Designation M 249-09, the amount ofyellow pigment, calcium carbonate, and inert fillers shall be at theoption of the manufacturer, providing all other requirements of thespecification are met.

Comparative Example 3

In yet another comparative illustration, Comparative Example 3 is anAASHTO conventional white formulation that uses no polyamide, and isreferred to in Table 4 as “White AASHTO M 249”

Binder 18.0% min. Glass Bead 30-40% TiO2 10.0% min. Calcium Carbonateand inert fillers 42.0% max.

Formulation differences in the AASHTO conventional compositions and theimproved polyamide containing hot-applied thermoplastic markingmaterial, as detailed in the working examples are provided in Table 4.

All of the newly disclosed compositions completely replace the use of amaleic modified rosin ester and rosin ester with the use of a highlymaleated maleic modified rosin ester and ethylene maleic anhydride. Thenew compositions also show the inclusion of a hindered amine lightstabilizer (HALS) and an antioxidant. The amount of calcium carbonaterequired for the new formulations is at least half or more of the amountprovided in the conventional AASHTO formulations.

TABLE 4 Yellow White Yellow High White High Yellow High Perfor- AASHTOPerfor- AASHTO Perfor- mance % Wt. M 249 mance M 249 mance (Alternate)TiO2 10 12 1.5 1.35 1.35 (Rutile) Blue 0.005 0.0125 0 0 0 Pigment Yellow83 0 0 0.75 1.25 1.25 Pigment Maleic 8.55 0 8.55 0 0 Modified RosinEster Maleic 0 10 0 9.7 10.25 Modified Rosin Ester (highly maleated)Rosin Ester 7.5 0 8.25 0 0 Polyamide 0 7 0 7 7 PE Wax 0.5 2 0.25 2.252.35 Ethylene 0 0.5 0 0 0.25 Maleic Anhydride EVA 0.25 0.5 0.25 1.250.25 HALS 0 0.2 0 0.4 0.4 Antioxidant 0 0.2 0 0.2 0.2 Type 3 Glass 0 250 25 25 Beads Type 1 Glass 30 25 30 25 25 Beads Castor Oil 2.2 0 2.2 1.81.8 DINP 0 2 0 0 Calcium 41.595 15.5875 48.25 24.8 24.4 Carbonate Total100 100 100 100 100 % Binder 19 22.00 19.5 23.425 22.00

Test Methodology

Testing methods used to determine the improved characteristics of thedisclosed polyamide composition in comparison with currentthermoplastics include Abrasion testing, Gardner Impact testing andNTPEP desk deck application NTPEP evaluations conducted in the fieldinclude retro-reflectivity, durability, daytime color, nighttime color(for yellow materials) and wet night retro-reflectivity for productsthat are permanent or temporarily applied.

Gardner Impact, also known as Falling Dart Impact, is a traditionalmethod for the evaluation of impact strength or toughness of a plasticmaterial. The test is often used to specify appropriate materials forapplications involving impact or to evaluate the effect of secondaryfinishing operations or other environmental factors on plastic impactproperties.

The test sample is placed on a base plate over an opening of specifieddiameter. An “impactor” sits on top of the test sample with a nose ofspecified radius in contact with the center of the test sample. A weightis raised inside a guide tube to a predetermined height, and thenreleased to drop onto the top of the impactor, forcing the nose throughthe test sample. The drop height, drop weight, and the test result(pass/fail) are recorded. For this disclosure, ASTM Standard D4812-11,entitled “Standard Test Method for Unnotched Cantilever Beam ImpactResistance of Plastics”, was followed using a two (2) pound drop weightfrom a height of 5.05 in per pound.

The Box Abrasion test was employed as described in California Test 423(CTM 423 or CALTRANS Method) entitled “Method for Testing ThermoplasticTraffic Line Material”, Part 14, Abrasion Test (Dec. 1, 2006). Asdescribed in the standard, CTM 423 14.A.2, the abrasive media used wereglass beads having a gradation size of 100% pass-through of a #25 sieve(710 micron) and 100% retention on a #30 sieve (590 micron). Glass beads(400 g.) were directed at the hot-applied thermoplastic at a pressure of40 psi and a specimen distance of 4⅞″ from the spray nozzle per CTM 42314.B.5 and CTM 423 14.B.7. The specimen is then rotated approximately 90degrees from the original position and a new corner of the sample issubjected to abrasive blasting with the specified glass beads. The lossof each corner is measured for each of the four corners of the sample.Conventionally, a loss of 7-8 grams is considered normal wear resistanceand optimal for applications provided herein, and a maximum deviation of0.5 g is tolerated among the corners. A determined loss of 10 g isconsidered by the CALTRANS Method to be a failure.

Improvements in durability and significantly increased wear resistanceversus that of conventional and available AASHTO hot-appliedthermoplastics and Permaline® are provided in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Conventional Improved Hot Test Method Thermoplastic Permaline ®Applied Abrasion (g.) 4-10 2.5-4.0  0-0.5 Gardner Impact, 0-15 15-3040-100 RT (in-lb.) Gardner Impact, 0-10 10-20 15-40  0° C. (in-lb.)

As seen in Table 5, the high impact resistance advantage is apparent forthe polyamide-based road marking product over the currently availablehot-applied thermoplastic markings as seen by the vast improvement inthe low-temperature and ambient temperature measurements of the GardnerImpact test. In addition, the increase in wear resistance (i.e. highlyresistant to road traffic tire wear) is evidenced by the results of theAbrasion test, where significant reduction in gram loss is shown.

The National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP) tests andreports the results of pavement marking material performance to AASHTOmember states. According to the NTPEP Pavement Marking Materials (PMM)and Data Usage Guide, all performance testing is performed on an asphaltconcrete roadway and a Portland cement concrete roadway, known as “testdecks”. These “test decks” are located at snowplow (northern state) andnon-snowplow (southern state) test sites where field evaluations of theapplied product are recorded. Evaluations on temporary products areconducted for a period of six (6) months, while permanent markings areevaluated for three (3) years. Application specifications of themarkings, for example bead type, application rate, and applicationthickness, are recorded, as are conditions during application such asair/surface temperatures and humidity. Test Deck product comparisons areundertaken in compliance with ASTM Standard D713-12.

Readings taken from the test deck at specified areas of the appliedmarking are termed either the “skip” reading or the “wheel” reading. The“skip” reading is taken from the marking closest to the skip line of theroad. Readings taken in the wheel path closest to the skip line of theroad are provided as “wheel” readings. A visual representation of aconventional test deck configuration is as provided and described byFIG. 1.

Retroreflectivity

Retroreflectivity is the ability of a retroreflector (e.g. glass bead orreflective prism) to reflect light back to its source with minimalscattering. Dry and wet retroreflectivity readings are taken from thetest deck. Dry retroreflectivity readings are taken from the first nine(9) inches of the skip line and in the wheel path closest to the skipline. Wet retroreflectivity is a measure of a marking's ability to‘recover’ following a rain event, and is measured after a timed intervalfollowing a period of ‘wetting down’ by a portable garden hose. “Wet”readings are taken in the first nine (9) inches of the line closest tothe road edge line and are taken in accordance with ASTM StandardE2177-11, entitled “Standard Test Method for Measuring the Coefficientof Retro-reflected Luminance (R_(L)) of Pavement Markings in a StandardCondition of Wetness”. Retro-reflectivity readings taken from the ‘skiparea’ should be considered as a representation of long lineretro-reflectivity performance, while ‘wheel track’ data can beconsidered for lines used in a longitudinal fashion (e.g. stop bars,cross walks, legends, signage, and areas of excessive wear due tobraking, stopping and turning movements. ‘Wheel track’ measurements canalso be used to determine the future wear reflectivity under acceleratedwear conditions.

Day and Nighttime Color

Transverse and longitudinal markings can be evaluated for colorcompliance, color fastness related to weathering and fading inaccordance with ASTM Standard D6628. Daytime and nighttime colorreadings are recorded as chromaticity values of x and y coordinates.Luminance factors, the measure of the lightness of a marking, are alsorecorded.

Durability

Durability is rated on a scale of one (1) to ten (10), with ten (10)being the best rating to be obtained by a road marking. A durabilityrating is obtained through examination of an eighteen (18) inch lengthof line centered on the wheel track area (the “wheel” reading) and thenine (9) inches of the skip line area (the “skip” reading). A percentageof the marking material remaining in this area is translated to a ratingscale of one (1) to ten (10). Durability ratings are obtained inaccordance with ASTM D913. Data obtained by this method can be used todetermine the ‘toughness’ of a pavement marking binder under long-termfield conditions and weathering. Bead retention is not implied by thismeasurement.

Application of the provided Working Examples 1-5 on a pavement markingindustry test site (AASHTO NTPEP Test Deck, Asphalt and Concrete,Minnesota, Jul. 31, 2013) exhibited excellent durability andretro-reflectiveness after three (3) months, the results of which are assummarized in in Table 6. These initial values will be exceeded for boththe initial and retained retroreflective properties of the highercontent (up to 9%) polyamide hot-applied thermoplastic marker as theseformulations have a higher bead content. The initial values from the2013 Minnesota NTPEP Test Deck exceeded the minimums shown in Table 7 aswell. Minimum requirements, by individual states, of retroreflectiveperformance specifications require the use of Type 3 and Type 1 glassbeads be incorporated into the thermoplastic marking material. Theformulations of the working examples described herewithin include thesein the compositions provided.

TABLE 6 Results of Testing for High Durable Formulations of WorkingExamples 1-4 - Initial and 3 Months after Application White HD White HDYellow HD Yellow HD Asphalt Concrete Asphalt Concrete Skip Wheel SkipWheel Skip Wheel Skip Wheel Retroreflectivity (mcd) Initial 649 718 695777 332 385 341 373 3 months 564 521 691 557 306 254 345 305 Wet Retro(mcd) Initial 118 169 25 50 3 months 104  54 28 53 Durability (1-10)Initial 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 3 months 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10Nighttime Color (x, y) Initial .4936 .4406 .4925 .4458 3 months .4960.4442 .4956 .4457

TABLE 7 Initial and 3 Year Retain Retro-reflectivity Requirements for HD(High Durability) Formulations Florida Alabama White Yellow White YellowInitial Retroreflectivity 450 min. 350 min. 450 min. 300 min. (mcd) 3Year Retained 150 min. 150 min. n/a n/a Retroreflectivity (mcd)

The preceding description of specific embodiments of the presentinvention is not intended to be a complete list of every possibleembodiment of the invention. Persons skilled in this field willrecognize that modifications can be made to the specific embodimentsdescribed here that would be within the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hot applied thermoplastic pavement markingcomposition comprising: modified polyamide resin in the range of between3 and 10 percent by weight, wherein said composition containsrosin-modified esters, a copolymer, between 30 and 70 percent by weightof a glass bead intermix, a range of between 1 and 15 percent by weightof either white or yellow pigment, the balance being selected from thegroup consisting of; one or more plasticizers, inorganic fillers, waxes,antioxidants and light stabilizers, wherein said esters are selectedfrom the group consisting of a pentaerythritol modified ester, a maleicmodified glycerol rosin ester and ethylene maleic anhydride and whereinsaid inorganic fillers include at least an amount that is half an amountrequired for conventional AASHTO M 249-09 hot applied pavement markercompositions.
 2. The hot applied thermoplastic composition according toclaim 1, wherein said glass beads are 25% AASHTO Type 1 and 25% AASHTOType 3 glass beads.
 3. The hot applied thermoplastic compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein said glass beads are 25% AASHTO Type 1 and25% AASHTO Type 4 glass beads.
 4. The hot applied thermoplastic pavementcomposition according to claims 2 and 3, wherein said glass beads impartretro-reflectivity in the range of 200-2000 mcd/m²/lx.
 5. The hotapplied thermoplastic composition according to claim 1, wherein saidcopolymer is ethylene vinyl acetate.
 6. The hot applied thermoplasticcomposition according to claim 1, wherein said one or more plasticizersare castor oil, di-isononyl phthalate or both
 7. The hot appliedthermoplastic composition according to claim 1, wherein said one or morelight stabilizers are hindered amines.
 8. The hot applied thermoplasticcomposition according to claim 1, wherein said one or more inorganicfillers is selected from the group consisting of; calcium carbonate,silica sand, quartzite, marble grit, glass powder, glass cullet andalumina.
 9. The hot applied thermoplastic composition according to claim1, wherein bond strength between a pavement surface and said compositionis greater than 250 psi, thereby preventing or eliminating cracking anddelamination between said composition and said pavement surface.
 10. Amethod for applying a hot applied thermoplastic pavement compositioncomprising: modified polyamide resin in the range of between 3 and 10percent by weight, wherein said composition contains rosin-modifiedesters, a copolymer, between 30 and 70 percent by weight of a glass beadintermix, a range of between 1 and 15 percent by weight of either whiteor yellow pigment, the balance being selected from the group consistingof; one or more plasticizers, inorganic fillers, waxes, antioxidants andlight stabilizers by applying said composition to any paved surface byheating either said pavement surface or said composition or by heatingboth during applying and wherein said esters are selected from the groupconsisting of a pentaerythritol modified ester, a maleic modifiedglycerol rosin ester and ethylene maleic anhydride and wherein saidinorganic fillers include at least an amount that is half an amountrequired for conventional AASHTO M 249-09 hot applied pavement markercompositions.
 11. The method of claim 10, The hot applied thermoplasticcomposition according to claim 10, wherein said glass beads are 25%AASHTO Type 1 and 25% AASHTO Type 3 glass beads.
 12. The method of claim10, wherein said glass beads are 25% AASHTO Type 1 and 25% AASHTO Type 4glass beads.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein said glass beads impartretro-reflectivity in the range of 200-2000 mcd/m²/lx.
 14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said copolymer is ethylene vinyl acetate.
 15. Themethod of claim 10, wherein said one or more plasticizers are castoroil, di-isononyl phthalate, or both.
 16. The method of claim 10, whereinsaid one or more light stabilizers are hindered amines.
 17. The methodof claim 10, wherein said one or more inorganic fillers is selected fromthe group consisting of; calcium carbonate, silica sand, quartzite,marble grit, glass powder, glass cullet and alumina.
 18. The method ofclaim 10, wherein bond strength between said pavement surface and saidcomposition is greater than 250 psi, thereby preventing or eliminatingcracking and delamination between said composition and said pavementsurface.